Why did I wait so long to read this book? Several friends, both in person and on Bookstagram, told me that I needed to read it, but I could never find the time last year, so I added it to my 24 in 2024 reading challenge. I’m so happy I finally carved out the time to read this beautiful novel! I loved how Jessica George did a deep dive into the complexities of family, culture, relationships, mental health, and self-discovery.

The book is told from the first-person point of view of Maddie (Madeline) Wright, a 25-year-old Black woman navigating her life in London the best she can. Maddie lives at home with her father, who has Parkinson’s. Maddie’s brother is little to no help because he is too busy traveling the world with his rapper friends, and her mother divides her time between London and her home country of Ghana. She spends one year in London and then one year in Ghana, leaving Maddie to carry the brunt of taking care of her father while also working and paying all the bills (as well as sending money to her mother anytime she needs it).

All of this has taken its toll on Maddie. She has no friends; she’s only ever dated one guy (and that was in high school and doesn’t count anyway); she’s still a virgin, and she can’t seem to get out of the endless cycle of uninspiring admin jobs. She wants something better out of life, and she’d really love to feel something other than sad all the time, but her father needs her, and she feels that’s where she needs to focus her time and energy. But when her mother tells her that she is returning to London for a year and suggests that Maddie find a place of her own and maybe start looking for a rich husband, Maddie decides to go for it (at least the moving out part).

And so begins Maddie’s year of becoming a better version of herself. She finds a couple of girls looking for a roommate and takes them up on their offer. She starts a new job in the industry she is really passionate about, and she even meets a guy who is very into her – this is promising! Despite the positive changes, Maddie still feels she is missing something and struggles to shake her endless feelings of despair. When tragedy strikes, it almost sends Maddie over the edge, but with the help of her friends (new and old) and a therapist, Maddie might be able to finally get to where she feels like her life is her own.

From the very beginning, George’s writing grabs you and drops you directly into Maddie’s world. Despite the heavy themes it tackles, George infuses the narrative with humor and warmth, making it a joy to read even in the darkest moments. Maddie is a complex and multi-faceted protagonist, and her relationships with her family, friends, and love interests are depicted with depth and authenticity. I absolutely adored her, and there were several times when I wanted to reach through the book and hug her. She was such a beautiful soul, and I wanted nothing but the best for her.

The book delves deep into the complexities of cultural identity and the struggle of straddling two worlds. Maddie’s attempt to reconcile her British upbringing with her Ghanaian heritage is a thought-provoking journey, particularly for those of us who are unfamiliar with anything beyond a ‘Western’ lifestyle. The novel’s portrayal of familial relationships is equally compelling. The dynamics between Maddie, her mother, and her father are at times heart-wrenching, yet ultimately uplifting. The theme of family duty is handled with sensitivity and nuance, underscoring the sacrifices we make for our loved ones and the strength that comes from prioritizing and standing up for ourselves.

Ultimately, this novel is a powerful and poignant story that will linger in your heart long after you’ve turned the last page. Maddie’s journey, filled with heartwarming and heart-wrenching moments, will leave an indelible mark on your soul. If you’re seeking a book that champions the beauty of cultural diversity, the strength of love and friendship, and the significance of staying true to oneself, this is an absolute must-read.